While we often have a lot to say about GPS trackers for your business, covert tracking operations, and personal protection, we haven’t discussed much about GPS tracking in sports. Here’s the latest: We just read that multiple NFL teams, including the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens are using GPS tracking devices to track players during some games and practices. Although it may sound like it, the tracking devices aren’t to make sure the players make it to practice–or are where they say they are. Turns out, NFL teams are using the tracking devices to glean important data about how much players exert themselves during select games and practices.
Using a small tracking device placed inside pads on the player’s back and special GPS tracking software, coaches and medical staff then have answers to questions such as how far a player is running in practice, how fast they are running, exactly where they are on the field during plays, and more. By scoring the amount of effort a player is exerting, it is easier to determine which players are at risk for injury. For example, if a specific player is found to have higher exertion on too many consecutive days, coaches reasonably assume that the player is at greater risk for injuries, and actually reduce the risk of injury by assigning the player to lighter practices.
Interested in starting your own GPS tracking business?
Correctional News is reporting an increase in the number of paroled SC offenders tracked via GPS. Numbers are up from 400 tracked offenders in 2011 to 600 tracked offenders in 2013, all of whom must pay a weekly $40 fee for tracking. The report states that most of South Carolina’s tracked parolees are sex offenders, citing the state’s passing of Jessica’s Law in 2006 which mandates GPS tracking of specified sex offenders based on their crimes against minors. The state employs 160 individuals to monitor the tracking devices via GPS tracking software, respond to violations, and make home visits if necessary.
See the EnduroPro GPS tracking device with optional ankle case.
Enduro Pro GPS Tracking Device
TrackingTheWorld’s all-weather EnduroPro GPS tracker offers an ideal choice for extreme weather conditions, from recent summer heat waves to below zero temperatures. Designed to provide accurate and reliable reporting in the most extreme conditions ranging from -40° to 185° Fahrenheit, the EnduroPro is also water-resistant to IPX-5 standards.
The Enduro Pro offers features not typically found on GPS tracking systems in the same price range and of comparable size. Gilbert Walz, CEO of TrackingTheWorld, said the tracker is also known for its versatility. “The EnduroPro tracker is used for a number of applications, including asset tracking, covert tracking, and personal protection.”
Time to first fix for the Enduro Pro is 29-seconds from a cold start, and less than one second from a hot start. The tracker includes a built-in motion sensor to extend battery life, which powers down the tracker when it is not in motion, resulting in one of the longest battery lives available for trackers of similar size. The device is equipped to operate for up to 16-days on a single charge based on five minute reporting intervals and one hour of reporting per day.
An ultra-compact tracker, the EnduroPro weighs 60-grams, and measures 67.5mm x 40mm x 21mm. Additional technical specifications include Quad-Band 850/900/1800/190MHz operation, GSM phase 2/2+ compliance, a 1300mAh, 3.7V Li-polymer backup battery, 50-channel all-in-view tracking, and a uBlox 6 GPS receiver. Designed for use with TrackingTheWorld’s GPS tracking software, the Enduro Pro provides fixed-time reporting, geo-fencing, emergency alerts, and customized reporting options.
Interface options include a mini-USB port for PC connection, an LED indicator for power, GSM, and GPS statuses, power and function buttons, and an MMCX RF connector for utilization of an external GPS antenna.
Here’s another bit of GPS tracking news…after police suspected a pair of Michigan men of breaking into homes and stealing valuables, they obtained a search warrant to place a covert tracking device on the suspect vehicle. Some time later, the vehicle was determined to have been at another home which had also been burglarized. Utilizing the vehicle tracking device and GPS tracking software, authorities were able to apprehend the suspects (after one fled), who later confessed to a string of burglaries. Both men have since been sentenced to prison.
Source: http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2013/07/gps_tracker_leads_to_prison_ti.html
If you’ve ever been interested in starting your own GPS tracking business, you’ve probably wondered if you should market tracking devices to any and all consumers, or specialize in a specific market. While many GPS dealers successfully launch businesses with no particular tracking market in mind, there are also successful and growing niche market options. And, one of the most profitable and growing markets within the GPS tracking industry is covert tracking.
Here are a few tips for getting started with a covert GPS tracking business:
Know your Customers
As with any growing business, it is important to understand who is interested in your products and why. For covert GPS tracking, you will likely find that law enforcement departments, government entities, military operations and private detectives comprise most of your customer list. Since covert tracking usually involves vehicle tracking GPS trackers are widely used to save human resources by reducing the need for 24-7 human surveillance.
GPS Tracking Software for Covert Tracking
As one of the most important features of any covert tracking operation, the quality and capabilities of the GPS tracking software used absolutely must meet the needs of the operation. For covert tracking needs, features such as detailed mapping options, geo-fencing, and automated emergency alert settings are essential.
Covert Tracking Hardware
GPS trackers used for covert operations must be equipped to meet the physical rigors of the task at hand. For covert tracking needs, GPS trackers that are weather-resistant, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures, and durable enough to tolerate continuous use are important. Another deciding factor is the availability of an extended life battery pack to increase tracking time between charges, and other accessories.
For More Information
TrackingTheWorld exclusively specializes in GPS tracking devices and hardware. If you’re interested in launching your own GPS tracking business in the market of covert GPS tracking or another area, please contact us today at 650-692-8100.
In the US alone, ground transportation represents a multi-billion dollar industry largely responsible for connecting consumers with the food, clothing, and goods Americans use every day. In an industry where efficiency can mean the difference between success and failure, transportation providers depend on GPS tracking systems for effective fleet management. Below, we’ve outlined some of the ways tracking devices and GPS tracking software help transportation providers remain on the move.
Safety First
Perhaps one of the most costly components of the transportation industry, accidents and increasing insurance costs can take a big bite out of profits for any provider. Fleet management with GPS tracking software allows dispatchers to monitor drivers for exhaustion and excessive speed. In addition to protecting drivers, GPS trackers help transportation providers minimize accidents and, as a result, unnecessary insurance claims.
Customer Satisfaction
In a digital world, customers expect on-demand updates in just about every area of their lives from work to play. With GPS tracking software, transportation providers are able to provide to- the-minute updates for their customers, including estimated arrival times, possible delays, and more.
Fuel Savings
For a transportation providers, rising fuel costs represent a serious threat to profitability, and minimizing fuel consumption is paramount to success. Tracking devices, and GPS tracking software give transportation providers the edge they need to get ahead of fuel costs, including monitoring driving habits and idle time, and establishing more efficient routes of travel.
In today’s very competitive marketplace, the ability to operate efficiently can make a significant difference in any business’s ability to be successful. As one of the most effective business tools available, GPS tracking software provides business owners added efficiency in a number ways.
Their Time Equals Your Money
The more your business can achieve in fewer hours, the more profitable and competitive it will be. With GPS tracking software, dispatchers can easily save time and dollars by having the ability to see where every vehicle in your fleet is at any time—speeding up response times, and optimizing travel routes. Especially for service providers, the ability to make more calls in less time can greatly improve the productivity level of every work day.
Reporting Made Easy
GPS tracking software offers automated reporting options to both speed the pace of business and help you analyze where your money is going. These reporting options include mileage tracking, monitoring idle time, and route playback.
Asset Protection
As mentioned in our previous post on GPS tracking for loss prevention, GPS tracking devices can greatly improve the chances of recovering stolen property without damage. The devices, used with GPS tracking software, allow business owners to see the location of their assets, and notify authorities.
Unmanaged loss prevention can take a big bite out of your business profits. One of the most effective tools business owners are using today to prevent loss and deter thieves is GPS tracking systems. Along with GPS tracking software, these devices can help you get a grasp on the profits you could be missing out on.
Prevent Theft with a GPS Tracking System
GPS tracking systems provide a powerful deterrent for both theft and the misuse of company assets and time. When staff members are aware of GPS trackers deployed on your vehicles or heavy equipment it greatly reduces temptation. For example, an employee who knows that his routes of travel are being tracked is far less likely to use a company vehicle for personal travel.
Recover Stolen Assets
If you happen to be the victim of theft, GPS tracking devices installed on your corporate assets can assist authorities in recovering the stolen asset and avoiding a loss. With GPS tracking software, the location of the stolen item will be pinpointed, allowing authorities to reach it faster, and reducing the likelihood of damage.
Manage Payroll Costs
Payroll can be one of the most daunting costs for any business. If your business needs to trim the fat from overtime or other hourly wages, a GPS tracker and GPS tracking software may be just the tool you need. For example, staff members who are aware that there time and movements are tracked using GPS tracking software, are less likely to claim time that wasn’t actually worked. Plus, GPS tracking systems can reduce your overall payroll costs by helping you find more efficient ways of doing business, such as using less fuel, correcting inefficiencies in routes of travel and dispatching.
In a world where cutting business costs is necessary to remain afloat, the last thing any business needs is lost profits through inflated payroll costs, or the theft or misuse of company assets. Consider GPS tracking for business to manage loss prevention.
EnduroPro : All-Weather GPS Tracker
In addition to providing helpful information for business operations, GPS tracking systems are also used for personal safety. Here, we’ve outlined some of the best safety features today’s GPS trackers have to offer.
The Panic Button
Perhaps the most important feature of a GPS tracker for personal safety is the panic button. With the press of a single button, a GPS user in an emergency situation can immediately alert others. The panic button feature on most GPS tracking systems activates a rapid fire sequence of location alerts, followed by automated cell phone alerts via GPS tracking software.
Voice Capabilities
The ability to communicate with another human being in the event of an emergency can mean the difference between life and death. If you’re selecting a GPS tracking system for personal safety, TrackingTheWorld recommends a tracking device with two-way voice capabilities.
Extreme Weather Durability
For personal safety, a GPS tracker with all-weather durability is important, particularly if you are an outdoor enthusiast. In situations such as mountain biking or snow skiing, your safety may depend on the ability of your GPS tracker to reliably function in less than desirable temperatures. Be sure to ask a GPS dealer for specifics.
Long Battery Life
Another of the most important safety features for GPS trackers is the ability of the tracker to operate for as long a period as possible without a charge. Depending on locate update intervals (how often you want the tracker to report your location), today’s GPS trackers can go as long as a month or more between charges. With this capability, or something similar, you can rest assured your GPS tracking system will function even if you forget to charge it once in a while.
While almost everyone has heard of GPS tracking systems, some may be wondering how the units are actually used. Ranging from wilderness hiking to improved customer service, here are five of the most popular ways people are using GPS tracking systems today.
Outdoor Sports
GPS tracking devices are often utilized as an added measure of security for enjoying outdoor sports. Not only do the units allow family members to track excursions using GPS tracking software, they also provide invaluable location information in case of an emergency situation. Some GPS tracking devices feature panic buttons which activate a rapid series of location updates and automatically alert specified cell phone numbers.
Improved Customer Service
Ask anyone in the service industry, and they’ll tell you that today’s digital age consumers expect instant and reliable access to the information they want. From real time tracking of shipments and deliveries, to knowing if public transportation is running late, GPS tracking allows management to deliver in-demand information on a silver platter.
Teenager Tracking
Oh, the parental worries that seem to arrive hand-in-hand with every child’s teenage years! Any teen driving a car, dating, and having the freedom to come and go is enough to make any reasonable parent nervous. As a result, parents are now using tracking devices and GPS tracking software to monitor teens’ driving habits, including speed and idle time.
Asset Protection
Construction contractors, business owners and individuals use GPS tracking to protect valuable assets such as heavy equipment, tractors, lawn mowers, vehicles and central air conditioning units. In addition to allowing for speedy recovery of stolen items, GPS tracking may also qualify users for an insurance discount depending on the provider.
Employee Tracking
One of the most painful and hidden costs of doing business is waste caused by unscrupulous employees. Administrators are now using GPS trackers and software to determine if employees are effectively managing their time, obeying the rules of the road, or abusing the use of company vehicles. GPS tracking software quickly provides the answers employers need to operate their businesses as efficiently as possible.
From tracking teenage drivers to identifying sources of financial waste in business, the use of GPS trackers has increased exponentially over the last decade. And, as technology continues to advance, we can only expect that GPS tracking will be used in an ever-increasing number of ways. How could you use GPS in your business or home life?
